HR in 15

Katherine Heaviside, Founder and President of Epoch 5 Public Relations joins us for part two of our conversation on how to manage your company’s reputation in these tumultuous times. Her extensive experience in PR provides clarity in navigating the terrain of modern day business.  

In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into PR considerations of current issues like COVID 19 and Black Lives Matter, as well as the current landscape of communication – namely the speed at which information, good and bad, spreads on social media.   

Episode Highlights:   

• Hear the story of a one-minute video that destroyed a business and its owner’s livelihood – and how to be positive and proactive with your online content.  
• Our guest explains, “If you handle these crises correctly, you can come out stronger, and if you mishandle them, your competition will take more of your market share.”  
• Learn how to respond internally and externally if your company faces an accusation or a perception problem.   

Episode quote:  

“You can’t be crisis free, but you can be crisis prepared.” — Katherine Heaviside   

Have Questions? PrestigePEOis always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com   

Katherine Heavisidewas named one of Long Island’s “Top Influentials” by Long Island Business News. She is a leader in public relations — having counseled hundreds of clients throughout the New York Metropolitan area. An expert communicator and strategist, she forges strong relationships with media, businesses, foundations, and more. A variety of tri-state industries benefit from Katherine’s proactive representation and strategic counsel. You can contact her directly at [email protected].   

Epoch 5is the leading Long Island public relations firm because we are highly successful at creating positive exposure for our clients, both on Long Island and throughout the tristate area. For many clients, we also play a key role in helping to protect or regain their reputations after controversial or crisis situations. In short, we are known for our expert counsel, the quality of our work, our strategic planning and positioning, and our excellent client service.

Katherine Heaviside, President and Founder of Epoch 5 Public Relations, talks to Eric from a distinctly human PR perspective. about the importance of communication, and about how the means and impact of communication are changing in today’s world.  

In today’s episode, we explore that impact. On one hand, misinformation can ruin a company’s image in minutes. On the other hand, the right action can lead to a positive image for your company and greater success in its community.   

Episode Highlights -- We discuss:   

• How PR communication shifted in recent years. It now largely takes place between employers and employees – as such relationships are a growing part of your company’s image.  
• How “doing the right thing at the right time” can lead to make your company a positive force in its community, and increase market share.  
• What goes into a Crisis Management Plan, and how can it set your company up to do the right thing at the right time?   

“Clear and inspiring communication is really essential to moving people to a better place.” — Katherine Heaviside   
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Have Questions? PrestigePEOis always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com   

Katherine Heavisidewas named one of Long Island’s “Top Influentials” by Long Island Business News. She is a leader in the field of public relations — having provided counsel to hundreds of clients throughout the New York Metropolitan area. An expert communicator and strategist, she forges strong relationships with media, businesses, foundations, associations, and community and government leaders. From health care to real estate to energy, tri-state industries benefit from Katherine’s proactive representation and strategic counsel.   

Epoch 5is the leading Long Island public relations firm because we are highly successful at creating positive exposure for our clients, both on Long Island and throughout the tristate area. For many clients, we also play a key role in helping to protect or regain their reputations after controversial or crisis situations. In short, we are known for our expert counsel, the quality of our work, our strategic planning and positioning, and our excellent client service.

Sue Fredericks, President of One Purpose Performance, is an enlightening and encouraging voice in these times of uncertainty. If you’ve struggled at all with communication in this uncharted work format – from delivering bad news to maintaining a positive communication culture – this is the conversation you’ve been waiting to hear.

Fredericks founded One Purpose Performance in 2000 to "help organizations identify what propels their teams and what holds them back, then figure out how to remove barriers, create success, and enhance strengths toward clearly defined goals and outcomes."

In today’s episode, we dive into communication methods and processes that will keep your company productive, positive, and cohesive while the question of “returning to work” remains in the air.

Episode highlights:

• How do we show confidence when delivering uncertain information?
• As an employer, how can you sustain morale and a healthy culture of communication while teams are working from home?
• And Fredericks gives an insightful answer to the question: Are we ready to come back to work?

“In a crisis, the most effective way we can lead is to listen and to meet people where they are.” – Sue Fredericks

Have Questions? PrestigePEOis always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com

Sue Fredericks has been developing workforce potential in the corporate sector for more than 25 years. She has held leadership roles with Olsten Corporation, Campbell Soup Company, Keebler Foods Company, Friedrich Air Conditioning Company, and National Medical Care. Fredericks founded One Purpose Performance in 2000.

One Purpose Performance, Inc. is a management consulting firm that helps companies and organizations align actions of leaders and staff to work together towards clearly defined goals. Their versatile, full-service practice focuses on developing leadership and maximizing organizational performance.

Today we speak with Sue Fredericks, President of One Purpose Performance. She founded this management consulting company in 2000 to help organizations build more productive culture and communication. 

Fredericks’ impressive understanding of people and business forms the basis of One Purpose’s approach: to identify what propels teams and what holds them back, then figure out how to remove barriers, create success, and enhance strengths toward clearly defined goals and outcomes.

In our conversation today, she applies this wisdom to the unpredictable times we’re living through and gives advice that will help you and your team succeed.

Episode highlights include:

• What challenges create alignment issues and silos within an organization?
• Now with many employees working from home, how do we ensure that companies stay aligned toward well-defined goals?
• What are the four critical areas for emotional intelligence, and why are they so important to individual and company success?
• What are the next steps companies should take in our current environment of rapid change and uncertainty?

“There will be more change in the next two years coming up than we’ve seen in the past 20 years.”     – Sue Fredericks

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com

Sue Fredericks has been developing workforce potential in the corporate sector for more than 25 years. She has held leadership roles with Olsten Corporation, Campbell Soup Company, Keebler Foods Company, Friedrich Air Conditioning Company, and National Medical Care. Fredericks founded One Purpose Performance in 2000.

One Purpose Performance, Inc. is a management consulting firm that helps companies and organizations align actions of leaders and staff to work together towards clearly defined goals. Their versatile, full-service practice focuses on developing leadership and maximizing organizational performance.

Today we continue our conversation with Kevin Law, Pres. & CEO of the Long Island Assn. Law has been ranked as “one the most powerful non-governmental people in New York State,” representing Long Islanders as a member of the private sector. 

But instead of the traditional impression of ‘power,’ Law conveys respect and care for the people and businesses on Long Island. Law works closely with NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Long Island Control Room and the NY Forward Task Force, to help guide the Long Island community through these uncertain times.

Episode highlights include:

• The HEROES Act (the upcoming federal stimulus bill) and what will be its most beneficial aspects to individuals and communities.
• Potential long term economic benefits for Long Island, as businesses and workers leave the city for the relative security of its more suburban environs.
• Considerations for businesses in different phases of reopening, as employers account for the needs of employees, clients, and customers.

Law recommends that New York State business owners go to Forward.NY.gov for an easy-to-use tool kit that helps determine measures needed to safely reopen.

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com

Kevin Law has been President and CEO of the Long Island Association since September 2010. He has been a key strategist and advocate on all matters impacting Long Island and its business community, and he helped secure more than $4 billion in infrastructure investments for the Long Island region. 

The Long Island Association is Long Island's premier business association that advocates for policies, programs, projects that create jobs, spurs investment, improves access to and from New York  City, reduces tax burdens and improves the overall business climate in the Long Island region.

An interview with Kevin Law, President and CEO of the Long Island Association.

As the early epicenter of COVID-19, Long Island has handled the pandemic “remarkably well,” says today’s guest, Kevin Law. Now there is fear that current surges in other parts of the country could leak back onto Long Island, if Long Islanders aren’t vigilant and careful. People’s health, and the survival of many small businesses who depend on monthly revenue, will depend on it.

Thankfully, they’re not alone. Law and his team are in the field every day, monitoring health and economic statistics related to COVID-19, and advocating for  ways to help small businesses and people. In this episode, he discusses:

• Plans to help small businesses safely reopen and receive assistance to survive this crisis.
• How Governor Cuomo’s 10 New York State economic regions and their respective “control rooms” have become part of the strategy for pandemic recovery.
• COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on Long Island’s minority communities.
• Why facemasks and social distancing are about respecting others’ health and helping keep small businesses open.
• And much more.

"There is a role for the federal government to play, as well as the state government,” says Law, “Their focus should be on these small businesses– anything they can do to help these small businesses not just to reopen, but to recover."

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us at prestigepeo.com

Kevin Law has been President and CEO of the Long Island Association since September 2010. He has been a key strategist and advocate on all matters impacting Long Island and its business community, and he helped secure more than $4 billion in infrastructure investments for the Long Island region. 

The Long Island Association is Long Island's premier business association that advocates for policies, programs, projects that create jobs, spurs investment, improves access to and from New York  City, reduces tax burdens and improves the overall business climate in the Long Island region.

The way we approach the needs of our businesses has undergone a drastic change during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a business owner during the COVID-19 pandemic, the constantly changing environment means taking a deeper dive into spending and where adjustments can be made. 

“Cash flow is king, and that’s the place where we need to start,” says Paul Strohmenger when it comes to analyzing how to redirect and maximize your assets.

Listen as PrestigePEO COO, Eric Foodim, continues his discussion with guest Paul Strohmenger, Managing Partner at Nettle Bay Partners on how to navigate your business through today’s challenges.

• Examining the profitability of your product lines 
• Assessing the collectibility of your customer base and outstanding receivables
• Explore which assets your business holds that could easily be converted into cash
• Review credit extension opportunities and government loan programs available
• How to make the right use of technology to optimize workflow

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us prestigepeo.com

The COVID-19 Pandemic has imposed many changes in our day-to-day lives, and businesses are no exception. With constant changes to policies surrounding best practices for businesses during this pandemic, we’re shifting gears and attempting to catch up to keep our organizations afloat. 

As a business owner, it feels like there’s a never-ending list of financials that can fluctuate at any moment - one of the most important to keep an eye on is your cash flow.

“You’re going to realize as you spend more time and get more exact, you’ll realize how some of these numbers are going to change as volume changes” - says Paul Strohmenger when it comes to analyzing cash inflows and outflows. 

Regardless of these uncertain times and rapid changes, it’s essential to constantly reevaluate not only your relationships with customers and clients, but with your vendors and services you enlist to run your business. Paul shares that there’s no better time to evaluate those relationships, than now during COVID-19 because everyone is struggling in some way

Listen as PrestigePEO COO, Eric Foodim, discuss what businesses need to consider when making a COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan with guest Paul Strohmenger, Managing Partner at Nettle Bay Partners. In this episode, Paul shares crucial information to help your business recover as a result of COVID-19, including:

• What expenses should be considered when calculating your cash inflows and outflows.
• Strategies for managing cash flow and where you can save yourself time and money in implementing them. 
• How to apply the 80/20 rule to cash flow policies and procedures.
• When and how to discuss changes in your business plan with vendors and partners.

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us prestigepeo.com

After small to medium-sized businesses pointed serious discrepancies in the guidance as to how to properly use PPP loan proceeds to maximize the potential for loan forgiveness - Congress, the The Treasury and the SBA made some adjustments. 

On June 17, 2020, Congress updated the Pension Protection Flexibility Act, which reflects changes that are more helpful and accessible for borrowers to have a better opportunity to receive loan forgiveness. This update includes the addition of the SBA 3508 EZ, which is a simplified version of the standard loan forgiveness form. 

PrestigePEO COO, Eric Foodim, is once again speaking to Malcom Slee, Principal at Groom Law Group, states, “If you have a choice between spending a dollar on somebody’s salary or your mortgage payment that month, you want to allocate that towards the salary,” when it comes to maximizing on your loan forgiveness eligibility. 

Malcolm also shares insights on updates made by Congress, The Treasury and the SBA for the following topics:

• How the SBA 3508 EZ Form has simplified the loan forgiveness application process for PPP.
• Updates to the 24 week wage gap and what business owners need to know when reporting on salaries and wages.
• What items are considered eligible for loan forgiveness that makes up the 60% payroll costs.
• Adjustments to deferral options for businesses regardless of whether they received PPP loan forgiveness.

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888-PEO-PEO1 or contact us prestigepeo.com

Missed the our first episode? Listen to our first episode  with Malcolm Slee, of Groom Law Group, where we discuss the legalities about ‘Returning to Work Post COVID-19’ here. 

When the Payroll Protection Program was introduced shortly after the COVID-19 crisis hit the United States, small and medium size business were quick to take advantage of the available resources to minimize ongoing business losses and maintain some level of payroll for their employees.

Since then, the rules have changed. "It's getting easier as we get more familiar with it" - mentioned Malcolm Slee - but there is still a significant amount of unknowns and in many cases, confusion surrounding loan forgiveness.

One thing we know for certain - June 30th is the last day to apply for a PPP Loan. Now, focus will shift to loan forgiveness.

Listen as PrestigePEO COO, Eric Foodim, reviews the current PPP Requirements with guest, Malcolm Slee, principal at Groom Law Group. In this episode learn more about the essential dates and program guidelines to consider when seeking loan forgiveness, including: 

• The difference between 60% | 40% versus 75% | 25% payroll requirement.
• How much of your PPP Loan can be forgiven?
• How many weeks of payroll to you have to cover in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness? 
• What is the process to go about seeking forgiveness on a portion of your loan?
• When do you need to bring your employees back to work and/or full salary?

Have Questions? PrestigePEO is always available to help you navigate these uncertain times with regard to Human Resources, Employee Benefits and Payroll Management. Call Us Today at 888.PEO.PEO1 or visit us online at prestigepeo.com

Missed the our first episode? Listen to our first episode  with Malcolm Slee, of Groom Law Group, where we discuss the legalities about 'Returning to Work Post COVID-19' here.